National Radio Personality Kidd Kraddick Dead at 53

Kidd Kraddick, host of the popular, nationally-aired morning show Kidd Kraddick in the Morning, has died in New Orleans.

YEA Networks, which syndicates the show, released a statement this evening (Saturday) confirming Kraddick's death. "Kidd passed away today in New Orleans at a golf tournament organized to raise money for his beloved Kidd’s Kids charity," the statement said.

Kraddick began broadcasting Kidd Kraddick in the Morning in Dallas in 1992. The show was syndicated to more cities around the country beginning in 2001.

Read the full statement from YEA Networks below:

“All of us with YEA Networks and the Kidd Kraddick in the Morning crew are heartbroken over the loss of our dear friend and leader. Kidd devoted his life to making people smile every morning, and for 21 years his foundation has been dedicated to bringing joy to thousands of chronically and terminally ill children.

Kidd passed away today in New Orleans at a golf tournament organized to raise money for his beloved Kidd’s Kids charity. He died doing what he loved, and his final day was spent selflessly focused on those special children that meant the world to him.

We ask that you respect the privacy of his family and his colleagues. At the appropriate time, we will release more information about the cause of death.”